Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé has heaped praise on Arsenal defender William Saliba, describing him as “among the best centre-backs in the Premier League.” In a rare and heartfelt comment, Mbappé revealed that his admiration for Saliba extends beyond football — as the two Frenchmen actually share a bond that goes back to their early days in Bondy, the small Parisian suburb that has produced some of France’s brightest football talents.
Speaking in a recent interview, Mbappé said:
“I’ve known William since we were kids. We went to the same primary school in Bondy. Even back then, he was strong, calm, and smart. Today, I’m not surprised at all by the player he has become. For me, he’s among the best defenders in the Premier League.”
This revelation has surprised many fans who were unaware of the connection between the two stars. Bondy, a suburb located just outside Paris, has become something of a football factory in recent years, producing players like Mbappé, Saliba, and several other French professionals who grew up in the same tight-knit community. The area has long been known for its strong youth programs, and Mbappé’s comments serve as a reminder of how deeply football runs through its streets.
Mbappé’s praise comes as no shock to Arsenal fans, who have watched Saliba develop into one of Europe’s most complete defenders under Mikel Arteta. Since returning from his loan spells in France, Saliba has been a mainstay in the Arsenal backline, combining composure, speed, and strength to shut down some of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards. His performances have not only helped Arsenal challenge for titles but have also earned him a regular spot in the French national team — where he and Mbappé now share the same dressing room on the international stage.
Mbappé went on to highlight Saliba’s maturity and mentality:
“What stands out about William is his calmness. He never looks rushed. Even when you press him, he finds a way to play out with confidence. He’s a defender who plays with the same elegance you expect from top-level midfielders. He has that modern style — physical, technical, and mentally strong.”
Arsenal supporters will no doubt be delighted to hear such words from one of the world’s best players. Saliba’s partnership with Gabriel Magalhães has been the foundation of Arsenal’s success in recent seasons, and his influence continues to grow with every passing game. Many pundits have even compared his rise to that of great Premier League defenders like Rio Ferdinand and Virgil van Dijk — both of whom also received early recognition for their composure and dominance at a young age.
For Mbappé, the admiration goes beyond football. His acknowledgment of their shared beginnings in Bondy paints a touching picture of two boys who once dreamed of making it big — now representing France at the highest level and inspiring a new generation of young players from their hometown.
As Mbappé concluded:
“Bondy taught us to dream big. To see William doing what he’s doing makes me proud. He’s not just a great defender — he’s a great person.”
With such glowing praise from one of football’s global icons, it’s clear that William Saliba’s rise to the top is no accident — and his story, like Mbappé’s, is a testament to the power of talent, determination, and humble beginnings.
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